The Entrepreneurs

Tue Feb 27

The future of recreational flying

Written by Andrea Edwards

Fresh out of Italy and made from the same technology as a 787 Dreamliner the Blackshape Prime sets a new benchmark for recreational flying. It only landed in Australia late last year and is worlds apart from other two-seater aircraft on the market here.

Nic Waugh of Melbourne’s PLA Aviation Services, who has the exclusive licence to distribute the aircraft in Australia and New Zealand, said it looks sleek and sophisticated but what really sets it apart is its speed.

“It’s almost 30 percent faster than its closest competitors with speeds of up to 164kn or 300km/hour,” Mr Waugh said.

“It’s narrow profile and retractable undercarriage make it even more aerodynamic,” he said.

“It’s the closest you’ll get to being a fighter pilot, without joining the military.”

“As well as being a lot of fun the Blackshape Prime is perfect for busy executives who want to shorten their travel time and avoid chaotic domestic airports.”

“With the capacity to fly further than its competition the scope for the Blackshape Prime in countries like Australia and New Zealand is endless.”

“I can fly from Perth to Margaret River in less than an hour, from Sydney to Byron Bay in just over two hours or Adelaide to Melbourne in quarter of the time it would take by car.”

“It uses less fuel per kilometre than a car and can travel up to 1100km before it needs to refuel.”

“The technology too is revolutionary for a plane of this size with a carbon-fibre frame, unique retractable landing gear and internal ballistic parachute.”

“As well as its European styling the Blackshape company sets its self apart by its mission to create the highest quality, best performing and safest aircraft in their class.”

Pilot Ian Loveridge has been flying for 22 years with over 8500 hours of flying experience he said there’s simply nothing else like it around.

“From the moment it takes off, it’s so responsive; with extraordinary manoeuvrability and a climb rate of is 1150ft per min - It really is the whole package and gets you where you need to go a lot faster,” he said.

Examples of the Blackshape Prime’s travel times per hour;

Destinations

Time by Car(Light Traffic)

Blackshape Prime

Perth to Margaret River

3.17

0.79

Perth to Kalgoorlie

6.38

1.82

Sydney to Byron Bay

9.38

2.08

Canberra to Melbourne

8.13

1.56

Brisbane to Sydney

9.55

2.39

Adelaide to Melbourne

8.78

2.17

Melbourne to Apollo Bay

2.72

0.52

“This is a pilot’s aircraft, you’re in charge and make all of the decisions, that’s why we’re seeing a lot of interest from professional pilots who are wanting the thrill of flying on days off,” he said.

PLA can organise training with prices for the Blackshape Prime starting from $268,000 plus GST.

Blackshape Prime has been awarded best airplane of the world in the European Ultra-Light Category. All planes are designed and manufactured, in Monopoli, Italy.

About PLA Aviation Services

Born from the desire to introduce Italy’s leading prestige light aircraft manufacture to Australia and New Zealand, PLA Aviation Services is the proud distributor for Blackshape – the manufacturer of the BK-100 Prime Recreational and the BK-160 Gabriel General Aviation Aircraft.

Owner Nic Waugh came across the Blackshape Prime while visiting his supplier in Holland who had just purchased one to fly himself around Europe for business. Fed-up with long travel times to destinations in Australia and excited by the versatility and luxury the Blackshape Prime could offer he set about becoming the exclusive agent here.

Australian farm to fork agritech start-ups are being encouraged to come forward for the next cohort of the Sprout Accelerator.
The Sprout Accelerator benefits agritech & agrifood businesses and entrepreneurs who have...

GRANTS HELP TO HATCH BRIGHT IDEASThree Australian businesses will receive grants to commercialise new products, processes and services, helping to create more local business opportunities and Australian jobs.The grants from...